Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central America, southern Mexico, northern South America, and the West Indies.
- Hardness
- 2,350 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and termites.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring characteristic dark streaks caused by gum veins.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut sapwood is a light grayish-white, while the heartwood is a rich salmon red to orange-brown when freshly cut, which darkens significantly upon exposure to light to a deep reddish-brown or burgundy with a golden luster.
Hardness (Janka)
2,350 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and termites.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 14.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears to be modern kiln-dried lumber with moderate oxidation showing typical reddish-brown deepening, estimated at 1 to 5 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally not on the IUCN Red List, though selective logging regulations apply. Readily available as plantation and sustainably harvested lumber.
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy-duty furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, shipbuilding, and exterior decking.
Geographic Origin
Central America, southern Mexico, northern South America, and the West Indies.
Workability
Very difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. It dulls cutting edges quickly, requires pre-boring for nailing and screwing, and can burn during routing or sawing. Glues and finishes well with proper preparation.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well, though staining is rarely needed due to the rich natural color. Polyurethane, lacquer, and oil finishes all perform exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Extremely hard and heavy with high impact resistance. Contains natural gums that can occasionally interfere with gluing if not freshly prepared.
